Does MSP cover blood tests?
Government healthcare in British Columbia – known as the Medical Services Plan (MSP) - covers blood tests
To be covered by MSP, the blood test usually needs to be:
- Ordered by a registered physician or other medical professionals like a midwife or a dental surgeon.
- Done at an approved diagnostic facility.
For example, let’s say your family doctor has ordered routine bloodwork as part of your annual physical. Assuming you get your blood drawn at an approved clinic, this will be covered by MSP.
On the other hand, let’s say you visit a naturopath who recommends you get some bloodwork to check some hormone levels. This kind of testing isn’t covered for most British Columbians, so MSP won’t cover this.
This means you will have to pay out-of-pocket, unless you have private health insurance like Freedom to Choose health and dental insurance or workplace benefits. These plans may be able to cover some of this cost.
What kind of blood tests are covered by MSP?
If you’re eligible for provincial healthcare in British Columbia, MSP will usually cover blood tests that are "medically necessary.” This could mean a test that helps your doctor make a diagnosis or monitor an existing condition.
For example, if your doctor might order a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test to help them diagnosis some symptoms you’ve shared. This would usually be covered by MSP.
Other common blood tests that are usually covered by MSP:
- Lipid panels that test your cholesterol levels
- Liver function
- Thyroid function
- Blood glucose
- Infection markers
Which blood tests aren’t covered by MSP?
There are few reasons why a blood test isn’t covered by MSP.
It won’t cover:
- Blood tests for insurance coverage.
- Blood tests required by your employer.
- Blood tests ordered by someone who isn’t a registered doctor, midwife, podiatrist, dental or oral surgeon.
There are also some specific blood tests that aren’t covered for most people.
For example, Vitamin D testing isn’t covered by MSP unless you’re under 19 or it’s ordered by a specialist.
But, if you had coverage with Freedom to Choose health and dental insurance, your plan could help cover blood tests not covered by MSP.
Here’s an example:
You go to see a naturopath who suggests you get a blood test that’s not covered by MSP for you. Your out-of-pocket cost of this would be $50.
If you have our popular Select plus plan, your coverage includes $400 per person per calendar year for naturopath services. There’s a $40 per visit maximum.
Assuming you haven’t maxed out this coverage yet, you could submit that blood test to see if a portion may be covered. This would reduce your out-of-pocket cost.